Clare Watt
Brooklyn, New York
Social Media
Instagram
How would you describe your work?
Through my collages, I aim to show that design can be both functional and beautiful, highlighting the relationships between form and function in new and unexpected ways. In my studio practice, I work with a range of material sourced from architectural and design magazines, carefully collecting these over time until I find just the right piece to complete the puzzle.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by the philosophy of Bruno Munari, who believed that design is an art form in its own right. Following in his footsteps, I approach my work with a creative and experimental mindset, always looking to push the boundaries of what’s traditionally considered “design”.
Can you speak about your process?
Much of my process is focused on sourcing the materials. I specifically try to source magazine’s from the 1960’s and 1970’s to create my collages. This can be a pedantic process, but once I find the right material it all comes into place. When I start making a collage I try to focus on cutting and piecing the paper together so it resembles something the almost looks like it was meant to be an original image. Melding together images from a brochure of
How did you become interested in art?
Since I was young I’ve always been interested in making art, and this continued through high school and onto University when I completed my degree in Fine Art. Thankfully I had parents who fully supported my creativity, always taking interest in my new work and pushing me to apply for exhibition open calls. When I finished my degree I continued my studio practice along side my professional work in galleries. I’m really grateful that my interest in creating art didn’t go away after so long, that’s not to say that the interest didn’t dim slightly over the past few years, but I think once you surround yourself with creative people again, that excitement to create comes back in an instance.
Do you have any favorite artists, movies, books, or quotes?
The French writer and artist Sophie Calle. I’ve always admired how vulnerable she is with her work and the level of intimacy she explores with each project. In particular the project "The Hotel", this work was such an intrusion of privacy for all the rooms that she documented so meticulously, but also such a comical piece of art, I think its the type of work that a lot of artists would love to do but don't have the confidence and gall to do so.
